Last fall, Nick Saban was among several prominent college coaches who had cameos in the critically acclaimed movie "The Blind Side." The movie was nominated for Best Picture and Sandra Bullock won the Oscar for Best Actress.

This fall, Alabama's head football coach plays the leading man in a feature film that will lift the curtain on and perhaps reveal untold mysteries about one of the game's most compelling figures.

A film on Saban and his career will debut on the big screen in late August in a limited theatre run. The première of "Nick Saban: Gamechanger'" is scheduled for August 24 with an expected general public debut several days later.

The film, produced by Flashlight Media Group of Memphis, delves into uncharted waters with Saban and interviews those closest to the two-time national championship coach.

"We will go behind the curtain and show who he is, where he comes from and how he became the person he is today," said Grant Guffin, one of the film's producers. "We want to show the influences that shaped his organizational philosophy, how the operation runs on a day-to-day basis and how he's been able to have such great success.'"

The movie will also be available on DVD after the theater run ends. Flashlight Media Group produced a five DVD set on Alabama football in 2008 called "Defining Moments."

What's remarkable about this project is the unfettered access the intensely private Saban granted to the producers. For instance, Saban allowed a crew of three (two camera and one audio person) to camp out in his office on A-Day weekend, shooting staff meetings, film sessions and scenes in the locker room while trailing him throughout the scrimmage. The crew later filmed Saban at a gathering at his house.

The filmmakers also flew with Saban in May to California where he and Texas coach Mack Brown shot an ESPN promo for College Game Day. They followed Saban during an emotional homecoming back to West Virginia where the coach was honored by Gov. Joe Manchin, a boyhood friend. Saban even allowed the crew to spend time with him at Lake Burton, his summer vacation home in Georgia.

"There were times when we shut down in deference to the situation and to be respectful,'" Guffin said. "But to his credit, the access has been phenomenal."

So how did this come about? How did a small production house in Memphis go where no other media outlet ever has?

It started with the success of the "Defining Moments" project. It didn't hurt that Guffin and his partner, Trey Reynolds, had connections to the state. Guffin is from Birmingham and has worked in the media in Alabama before heading to Memphis. Reynolds is also from Alabama.

However, the real connection was Jimmy Sexton, Saban's mega-agent, who happens to live in Memphis, was aware of the "Defining Moments" project and liked the pitch.

"We created a proposal and approached Coach Saban through Jimmy," Reynolds said. Then, they met with Saban to gain his trust. And we're off.

Reynolds said there will no narration in the film. It will be a collection of video and a steady stream of interviews. Included are Saban's former boss Bill Belichick, along with Bill Parcells, Joe Namath, Bobby Bowden, Jimbo Fisher, Mal Moore, Dr. Robert Witt, Sexton and several of Saban's former players.

The producers also interviewed former Alabama coaches Ray Perkins and Gene Stallings. Several of Saban's current assistants were also interviewed.

"Documentary is the best definition of what this is," Guffin said. "We will let the participants tell the story and people can formulate their own conclusions."

The film's sponsors, including Ford and Coca-Cola, have helped underwrite production costs.

After being behind the camera for months watching Saban, were there any surprises?

"He is personable," Guffin said. "When he is away from work, he likes to have fun, cut up. On the job, he is as focused as a laser beam."

Reynolds agreed.

"The first time you're around him, I thought it would be a bit of mystery, to see what kind of person he would be. But it was cool to see him up close. He has a great sense of humor, very witty and obviously, likes to have a good time."

Reynolds said Saban likes to talk music at the lake when relaxing (The Eagles are his favorite rock group). He also likes to get his hands dirty in the garden (planting roses).

"But he pays great attention to detail," Reynolds said. "He's always on the move. Doesn't like to sit still."

That includes his daily lunch at the office.

Guffin said during lunch, while Saban is chomping down (usually a chef salad), someone is always there briefing him on recruiting or something else.

"As a fly on the wall, I was amazed at his ability to manage so many details at once," Guffin said. "Managing a program of this size and with so many people wanting his time, Saban does a remarkable job of staying focused on what it takes to win. I think what drives him is understanding that human nature is to be mediocre, not to succeed. The driving force in his life is to succeed and have those around him succeed."

All of that, and more, will be coming to a theatre near you. (Contact Paul Finebaum at finebaumnet@yahoo.com. His column appears on Tuesdays in the Press-Register.)